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NONPROFITS AND THE ACT

For many organizations in the Nonprofit Sector, the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Customer Service Standard reflect the existing organizational values, mission, vision, and service commitment.

The AODA Standards provide the opportunity to encourage innovation and systems transformation. The reduction or elimination of socially and institutionally structured inequalities will extend far beyond enhancing individual and collective well being. The reduction of pervasive disparities for People with Disabilities will also contribute to the overall social cohesion, shared values of fairness and equity, economic productivity and community vitality and resilience.

The Customer Service Standard will create and sustain equitable access to a full range of high quality community and commercial services and support. Reviewing current policies and procedures can create a regular cycle of equity-driven innovation that continually builds on what has been learned as change is bound to be incremental and iterative if it is to have sustainable and lasting impact.

As Bob Gardner, PhD, from the Wellesley Institute wrote, "the challenge is to have a systemic way to enable, encourage and ensure that equity is built into all service delivery and into the very fabric of that delivery." The Customer Service Standard is a tangible response to this challenge.

Most Nonprofits in Ontario already strive to offer services in a responsive and respectful manner. Many funders require organizations to demonstrate this through various policies including client rights and responsibilities and non-discrimination policies and frameworks.

The core principles of the AODA “ independence, dignity, integration, and equality of opportunity for people with disabilities “ are aligned with the core values of Nonprofit organizations and the Sector.

As you review the requirements of the AODA, view the process through the lens of your existing policies and procedures as they relate to your commitment to a healthy, barrier-free, accessible organization for all employees, volunteers, stakeholders, and clients with disabilities. Understanding and implementing The Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement (CCVI) and the principles of cultural competence can support your work on being compliant with the AODA.